Firstly this week, I'd like to thank our agriculutral machinery editor, Martin Rickatson, for holding the fort here last issue whilst I was away. Always great to hear Martin's take on the ag side of the industry - hopefully we'll be hearing from him more in this Weekly Update during the course of the year.

Since my return I've been busy putting the finishing touches to the next issue of Service Dealer magazine, which is now at the printers.

One of the features you can look forward to in the next issue will be the results of our survey that we ran on here recently, canvassing dealers thoughts on how much business confidence they are feeling currently. We received some interesting data and as ever some fascinating feedback from our readers.

One quote which appeared indicative of many readers' opinions, said, "This season has been very much a rollercoaster for us sales wise - although service has remained steady. This coupled together with the looming Brexit scenario, increases in our overheads both rent and wage wise, plus pressures from internet discounters who are reducing our sales margins continually, means there is not too much cause for cheer."

That many dealers appear to be feeling the same at the moment is of course, concerning. To be able to report some entirely positive news for a change would be most welcome!

Well, I'm not saying I've got that in abundance - but I did see a couple of stories this week, which I thought traditional dealers could perhaps take some heart from.

First up was some statistical analysis from GlobalData, a data and analytics company, which said that more than six out of 10 UK DIY and gardening shoppers continue to favour physical retail despite store closures. Their story said that customers in this market are most likely to switch to a different retailer’s physical store if the store they normally shop at closes, while relatively few would switch to online or travel to a different location. This, they said, indicates a preference not only for physical retail over online, but also for convenience over loyalty to a particular retailer.

Could this be encouraging news for dealers who are based in one the 47 locations around the country where Homebase for example, has closed stores just recently? Amy Higginbotham, Retail Analyst at GlobalData, seems to think so. She is quoted in their story as saying, “As well as being less inclined to switch to online, DIY and gardening shoppers are also less loyal to a particular retailer than the average UK consumer. Only 35.5% would stick with the same retailer, whether at a different store or online, compared to the 39.9% average across all retail sectors.”

So perhaps there's potential there, to sweep up customers for outdoor powered machinery who before these closures, might not have used their local independent retailer? There's little point in being snobby that these buyers used to favour somewhere like Homebase - after all, their money is as good as the next person's!

Also indicating that the online sales sector might not be as all conquering as once feared by traditional retailers, is the latest research by the IMRG Capgemini eRetail Sales Index, which tracks online sales performance. They have said this week that despite a boost in June, it wasn’t enough to save online retail in the first half of 2019.

Their research shows that online sales this year have slumped to their lowest ever growth rate of just +5.4% year-on-year. Comparatively, the same time period in 2018 saw results of +16.9% year-on-year.

When looking at individual retail sectors, IMRG say that one of the largest year-on-year declines in growth was actually seen in garden at -34.4%.

Could this be indicating a real shift in attitudes of consumers in this sector, from online to physical? Perhaps. Certainly you could argue that now is a key time to be keeping your profile high to attract potential new customers who may not have used your store before. 

And, popping my self-promotion hat on for a minute, for plenty of valuable advice and guidance on how to make your business appeal to the various generational groups, or to maximise profitability, tickets are now on sale for this year's Service Dealer Conference & Awards!

As ever, this year there will be presentations, seminars and debates, all designed to benefit dealers of all sizes and machinery specialisms Hope to see you there!

Alamo Group Inc. in the U.S has this week announced that it has acquired the assets of the Dixie Chopper business from Textron Outdoor Power Equipment Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc.

Dixie Chopper manufactures a wide range of commercial and high end residential mowing equipment. The business, which is currently based in Greencastle, Indiana, has been serving this market for nearly 40 years.

Ron Robinson, Alamo Group’s President and Chief Executive Officer commented, “We are pleased to have completed the acquisition of Dixie Chopper. They are an iconic brand in the zero turn mowing industry and provide both a range of products and channel coverage that will complement and enhance our platform for growth. They will become part of Alamo Group’s Agricultural Division.”

The American trade publication Rural Lifestyle Dealer, reported that Rick Raborn, the Executive Vice President of Alamo Group’s Agricultural Division said in a memo to their U.S dealers, "Moving forward, Alamo Group Inc. will continue to manufacture, sell and support Dixie Chopper products as part of its Agricultural Division. The future manufacturing of the products will be located in our Gibson City, Illinois, factory, where the company also produces the RhinoAG implement line. We are committed to keeping our Dixie Chopper dealers informed and engaged during this transition."

Being held on the 21st November 2019 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Oxford Belfry Hotel, tickets for the Service Dealer Conference, Awards dinner or both are now available to book.

EVENT OPTIONS:

• CONFERENCE ONLY = £195 per delegate
• AWARDS ONLY = £99 per delegate
• CONFERENCE & AWARDS = £260 per delegate

ALL ABOVE PRICES EXCLUDE VAT.

To purchase tickets please call Service Dealer's Nikki Harrison on 01491 837117.

ACCOMMODATION

For booking accommodation at the DoubleTree by Hilton Oxford Belfry Hotel please call the central reservations on 0800 028 8694 and quote Service Dealer Conference & Awards

SPECIAL CONFERENCE RATES OFFERED AT £128 FOR B&B
A credit card will be taken to secure your booking and the cancellation policy will be discussed.

The theme of this year's Conference is Turning A Profit. As ever the Conference will be comprised of presentations, breakout sessions, workshops and panel debates. As announced previously the keynote address at the Conference will be delivered by 'generational intelligence' expert Dr Eliza Filby and U.S dealership guru Bob Clements will be delivering presentations and running seminars.

The daytime Conference will be followed in the evening by the ever popular Dealer Of The Year Awards dinner.

The Conference is intended for dealers supplying and/or servicing the garden machinery, professional turfcare, farm machinery, and outdoor power equipment industries.

Registration for the conference is for dealers only, please contact Nikki or call 01491 837117 if you are a supplier or distributor and you would like to get involved.

The Awards dinner tables and tickets are available to everyone in the industry.

Full details on how to book for the Service Dealer Conference and Awards can be found here.

South-west England based dealers, Vincent Tractors & Plant have announced that they are relocating to the former Holsworthy branch of Bond Agri at Unit 1, Neet Way, Dobles Industrial Estate, Holsworthy, EX22 6ES.

Vincent Tractors & Plant's new depot in Holsworthy

As from Monday 15th July Vincent started trading from this new location. They will continue to supply and service the full range of Kubota Tractors, Groundcare and Construction equipment including a range of agricultural implements and other products within the Vincent Tractors & Plant product range.

The new branch includes a showroom and will continue to offer a large range of spare parts as well as provide a dedicated machinery servicing and repair department.

Paul Vincent, managing director of Vincent Tractors & Plant explained, “The opportunity for us to take over the Bond Agri depot was too good a chance for us to miss. The move to Unit 1 on the Dobles Industrial Estate provides us with a bigger showroom, more office space and a larger workshop. It means that we can service more machines at once, as well as stock a wider range of spare parts”.

The company have also announced that David Stanbury has joined their sales team and will be the Vincent Tractors & Plant agricultural sales representative for the West and North Devon area. His mobile number is 07970 207689. John Scott (07768 063548) and Nick Vincent (07834 555172) are their Groundcare and Construction sales representatives respectively for West and North Devon.

Cyril Johnston & Co have become the latest pin in the dealer map of Charterhouse Turf Machinery.

Operating from their Carryduff depot, they are now responsible for the sale and service of the Redexim range of products, for both natural and synthetic surfaces, in Northern Ireland.

Charterhouse’s Ian Lauder (left), with Cyril Johnston professional sales rep Ian Ellis

Established over 60 years ago, Cyril Johnston stock a wide range of leading machinery for the amenity, golf and landscape sectors. With a team of over 40, they are well placed to offer professional support to a range of customers throughout Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and a number of the border counties.

Commenting on their appointment, sales manager Brian Mitchell said, “We are over the moon to have been appointed as a Charterhouse dealer and to have added such a varied selection of equipment to our portfolio. The performance of the Redexim products is outstanding and, as such, we are expecting fantastic uptake with professional users in our area, both old and new.”

Northern territory manager for Charterhouse, Ian Lauder added, “Cyril Johnston is a well-respected dealer, with a reputation built on providing excellent customer service to a broad range of customers. With so many years of experience and knowledge under their belts, we look forward to working with them to offer a more localised service across this area.”

Charterhouse are currently planning a number of Synthetic Turf Open Days held across the region, in conjunction with Cyril Johnston, the details of which will be announced in due course.

Registration for this year’s Turf Maintenance Live event is now open.

The showcase for turf maintenance equipment is being held at the Woollam Playing Fields, Harpenden Rd in St. Albans on Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 October.

This year two new companies, Agria UK and Price Turfcare (Ventrac), are joining the established group that includes Ernest Doe & Sons, GKB Machines, Husqvarna UK, Iseki UK, Martin Lishman, Rigby Taylor, Wessex International and Wiedenmann UK.

This is now the largest Turf Maintenance Live event since its inception back in 2015 with 10 companies displaying an eclectic mix of products for the turf professional. Entrance to the event is free but pre-registration is essential.

Aimed at groundsmen, greenkeepers, contractors, local authority personnel, estate managers and schools as well as amateur and professional sports clubs, the event has an emphasis on working demonstrations and up close inspection of new products for the 2020 season.

BIGGA and IOG members able claim CPD points for their attendance.

Visitors interested in attending the event and seeing the latest innovations and equipment in action can register by completing a registration form online or email register@turfmaintenancelive.com .

Val Graham, spokesperson for Turf Maintenance Live said, “Emphasis will be on live working demonstrations and product situations rather than static displays, so there’s plenty of incentive to make a day of it.

“We’re indebted to the support from the STRI and our two associate sponsors - The IOG and BIGGA - both of whom will be awarding CPD points to attendees. Starting time on both days is 10.00 with free registration and bacon rolls. Lunch is provided at no charge and those who can’t make the morning can come along grab lunch and do the afternoon session."

Based in Fort Collins Colorado, Walker Manufacturing recently invited their UK country manager, Steve Egerton, to visit the training ground and experience the unique facility created for educating their domestic and international trade customers.

Walker Mowers UK country manager, Steve Egerton, at the Fort Collins facility

The purpose designed site includes, slopes of different sizes and inclines, undulations, tight turning areas, low trees, open fences and typical obstacles that sales people may come across when demonstrating, what the company term 'the Walker Mower Advantage'.

Steve told Service Dealer, "At nearly 5,000ft above sea level and in high temperatures, the training, both practical and classroom style, was intense, but everything was conducted with precision to maximise the time spent at this Walker training event. It is our intention to invite our UK trade customers to join us in Fort Collins in the future, to try the machines for themselves and sample the warmth and hospitality of the Walker Company."

Steve Egerton, receives a sales training certificate from Bob Walker, president Walker Manufacturing

Now in their second full season, Walker Mowers UK say they have noticed an increase in sales of mulching decks over the collection machines. They say the performance of the mulching decks are enhanced by using a tooth styled blade and a re-circulator hub which aids air flow, particularly on the perimeter of the deck.

Following his attendance at the training course Steve commented, "Mulching is really about time saving, efficiency, no grass cuttings and of course, the finish. I was able to see for myself the comparison and effectiveness of the three sizes of mulching mowers we offer for the UK market and I personally see this increase continuing."

Rochelle Bedford has been appointed the new marketing manager for Reesink Turfcare.

Rochelle Bedford

Overseeing marketing activity for all the turfcare machinery and equipment brands in the Reesink portfolio, Rochelle says it was Reesink’s established reputation, values, great work ethic and ideas sharing culture that appealed to her most about the role, as well as working in a new industry.

“Reesink Turfcare is a well-established company and its reputation preceded it,” she says. “With a great work ethic, the values of the company and the way staff are encouraged to share their ideas to come up with new solutions for ongoing projects was an exciting aspect of taking on the role. Plus, my marketing experience with commercial vehicles and dealer network support lends itself well with this new and interesting industry.

“With the marketing machine fully up and running, I was excited to get stuck straight in to see how it all worked. Over the past couple of months, I have seen great potential for how the marketing department can be developed, in supporting the business as a whole and taking it to that next level.”

Rochelle has already recruited another member to the team and Nichola Spinks joins the company as marketing assistant.

Reesink’s marketing department is a vital part of the business, as well as coordinating all of Reesink’s turf marketing programmes in the UK, it also organises all the shows and events the company attends throughout the year too.

Rochelle concludes by saying: “There’s no question there’s definite potential for future growth for the team!”

The first John Deere 9900i self-propelled forage harvester to be sold in Europe has been hard at work in Northern Ireland for contractor Lagan Brothers of Moneymore in County Londonderry.

Northern Ireland contractor Michael Lagan with his new John Deere 9900i self-propelled forage harvester, cutting 700 acres of grass in May for a biogas plant customer

Started in 2003, the business is run by Michael Lagan and his brothers Seamus and Paul, with father James and younger brother Noel also taking an interest. Supplied by local John Deere dealer Johnston Gilpin & Co of Lisburn after a ‘Golden Key’ handover at the Zweibrücken factory in Germany, the powerful 970hp 9900i is the biggest of the new 9000 Series self-propelled foragers launched by John Deere last year.

Key features of the range include a new V12 Liebherr engine on the top three models, a new high performance XStream kernel processor and the latest precision farming technology, including the new HarvestLab 3000 constituent sensing system, with the focus very much on forage quality.

Michael Lagan, who operates the 9900i, says: “We needed to upgrade our two year old John Deere 8800i with a more powerful machine. Each year we harvest around 7000 acres of grass and 70 per cent of that is destined for biogas plants. These plants require finely chopped material down to 4mm that is easily digested, so we made the decision to upgrade to a machine with more power and more knives – 64, compared to 56 on our previous model.

“It’s more or less the same physical size as the 8800i, but you certainly feel the difference the bigger engine makes. The grass goes through with ease and the extra knives leave a nice fine chop in the trailer. It’s proved to be a great machine, so investing in the 9900i was the perfect business decision for us.”

Michael also highlights the importance of John Deere’s HarvestLab sensor, which accurately measures dry matter and other constituents in real time. All the data, including crop yield per field, is displayed to the operator inside the cab.

“We’ve used the system for a number of years now and find it extremely useful in keeping us informed about crop quality and yield,” he says. “Another handy feature is that we use it on the dribble bar when spreading slurry. Here it can give us information such as nitrogen content and works out how much slurry we can apply per hectare to keep within the recommended guidelines and ground requirements.”

Alongside the new forage harvester, Lagan Brothers operate a fleet of John Deere tractors ranging in model age from 2006 to 2019, including four 6R Series and one 7R Series machines plus three older 20 and 30 Series models. For silaging they use a 6190R and 7280R, both equipped with triple mowers, to cut the grass while a 6155R runs the rake. A Volvo L70G wheel loader used in the pit completes the grass contracting fleet.

Elgan Pugh from Wales has been crowned the best lumberjack athlete in the country for the fifth consecutive time at the 2019 STIHL Timbersports British Championship, after breaking his own national record in the final discipline, the Hot Saw.

Elgan Pugh in the Hot Saw event

Hosted at Blenheim Palace, as part of BBC Countryfile Live last weekend, the British Championship saw the top 12 lumberjack athletes from all over Great Britain compete in a head-to-head race against time across six disciplines. Using an axe, crosscut saw and chainsaw, competitors are awarded maximum points for the fastest time in each discipline; Stock Saw, Underhand Chop, Single Buck, Standing Block Chop, Springboard and Hot Saw.

In a competition that saw competitors push themselves to the limit, 16 personal best times were set which kept a packed crowd on the edge of their seats. Whilst Elgan claimed the top spot, an ecstatic Johnny Lewis came in a close second reaching the podium for the first time with Glen Penlington taking third place.

Spike Milton, STIHL Timbersports Global Sports Director, said, “The British Timbersports Championship pushes athletes to a new level of performance and this year was no different with the competitors showcasing the skill and technique required to compete on the biggest British stage. Each athlete has completed a rigorous training programme in preparation for this event.

“We now look forward to the STIHL Timbersports World Championship in Prague, where we have the difficult decision of choosing Team GB representatives from this great pool of talent.”

Elgan said of his victory: “To be crowned the STIHL Timbersports British Champion is a fantastic feeling and one I am very proud of. I have been training intensively for this event and it’s great to see that it all paid off in the end.”

Working from our Market Rasen depot in Lincolnshire. This position would suit either an experienced salesman, or someone involved in agriculture looking to further their career.

Previous experience is preferred but not necessarily required, as training would be given, but a knowledge of farming and experience in the farming industry would be an advantage.

Sales training in product marketing will be given.

A generous salary, pension, company vehicle and benefit package is available for the right person.

Applications will be dealt with in the strictest of confidence.

Please apply with your CV in the first instance to laura@ifmgroup.co.uk or telephone 01673 842222 / 07464 548834

We are recruiting for an experienced garden machinery Area Sales Manager to work within our Lawn & Garden Division, representing our premium brands Cub Cadet and Lawnflite, amongst others.  You will have exceptional industry knowledge and technical ability with proven in-field experience.  You will be self-motivated, customer orientated with a ‘can-do’ attitude.

This role covers the territory of Essex, Kent, East & West Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, London, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.  For ease of travel the ideal candidate will be situated centrally.

A full UK driving licence is essential.

To apply please send your full CV to recruitment@barrus.co.uk or click for more information

This year Cobra have introduced an exciting selection of lawnmowers into their already comprehensive range. The lawnmower highlighted below is a feature rich petrol model and is expertly powered by a Cobra 98.5cc engine.

The Cobra M41C push-propelled lawnmower has a single speed gearbox, a cutting width of  41cm / 16” and a lightweight polymer cutting deck.

Powered by a Cobra 98.5cc DG350  4-stroke engine, for unprecedented reliability and performance, this lawnmower is perfect for small to medium domestic lawns and is able to collect grass clippings in its 50ltr grass bag. The stocking dealer price is just £86.70 ex VAT.

COBRA S-SERIES ENGINES WITH 1 YEAR COMMERCIAL WARRANTY

The range of high specification S-Series engines from Cobra are engineered for both the professional and domestic user.

They are environmentally friendly, high torque, low emission engines which are fitted to selected Cobra petrol Brushcutters and Multi-Tools.

These engines meet the latest EU directive EU-V for emissions, plus they have a high power to weight ratio, making the toughest gardening tasks easier and less tiring.

BCX230C 23cc Brushcutter - stocking dealer price just £109.90 ex VAT

BCX370CU 37cc Brushcutter – stocking dealer price just £132.89 ex VAT

MTX230C 4-in-1 Multi-Tool – stocking dealer price just £234.90 ex VAT

All S-Series engines have a 1 year commercial warranty.

For more information on Cobra products visit: www.cobragarden.co.uk or to become a Cobra dealer, please contact Andy Marvin on: 07771 581 296 or call our sales team: 0115 986 6646 today.

Garden Trader is a product and dealer search website/directory only for specialist garden machinery dealers in the UK. It has been designed to support and promote our dealer industry to consumers who are specifically searching for garden machinery products and services.

It is easy and quick to register and costs just £96 + VAT per year to be listed and all revenues in 2019 will be reinvested into promoting the site online.

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